Image source: topwar.ru
Leopard 2A4
In the frame, a Leopard 2A4 tank armed with a 130 mm cannon was transported on a tractor. The spotted car was heading to Paris for the Eurosatory 2024 exhibition, which is scheduled to take place in the second half of June.
The 130 mm cannon is built into the turret from the promising German KF51 Panther tank. Its placement on the Leopard 2A4 chassis may indicate a new modification of this MBT offered by Rheinmetall to countries operating 2A4.
Another hypothesis is that this hybrid tank represents a new evolutionary step in the Leopard 2 series, potentially leading to a model known as the Leopard 2AX being developed to replace the Leopard 2A8. This future model is expected to include a hybrid powertrain and advanced protection systems. The Leopard 2AX is intended to serve as a transitional platform to more advanced MBT concepts. This new prototype may indicate that Rheinmetall combines proven elements of the Leopard 2 series with KF-51 Panther technologies.
Image source: topwar.ru
Another hypothesis is that the appearance of this hybrid model is an attempt by Rheinmetall to create an alternative to the promising Franco-German E-MBT tank, which is being developed by integrating elements of the Leopard 2A7 and Leclerc. The E-MBT is planned to be equipped with a two-seat turret and an automatic loader.
Image source: topwar.ru
KF51 Panther
It is claimed that the 130 mm FGS cannon should surpass the standard 120 mm NATO guns in effective range by 50%, exceeding 4 km. It is equipped with an automatic loader, which will provide a rate of fire of 11.25 rounds per minute thanks to conveyor magazines for ten shells each. During the tests, AZ demonstrated the ability to fire three shots in 16 seconds.
